Germany holds elections for the Bundestag on Sunday, in which some 60 million voters are expected to participate. It is the first vote after an electoral reform aimed at reducing the number of parliamentary seats.
Germany’s electoral system combines elements of both majoritarian and proportional representation. Each voter has two votes: the first for a specific candidate and the second for a party. However, parties that receive less than 5% of the vote or fail to win at least three districts do not enter parliament.
Previously, the “overhang” mandate system led to an expansion of the Bundestag, reaching a record 735 seats in 2021. Now, the number of seats is capped at 630, meaning that some district winners may not secure a seat if their party fails to surpass the threshold.
The election outcome will determine which coalitions can form a government. Possible options include a “grand coalition” (CDU/CSU and SPD) or alliances involving the Greens and Free Democrats.
Germany’s president will nominate a chancellor candidate, but the final decision rests with the Bundestag, where the candidate must secure an absolute majority of votes.
